Are you from the "Soo"? Stay connected with the Sault Network

April 18, 2018

The City of Sault Ste. Marie is pleased to launch the Sault Network, an easy-to-use and resourceful website created for former Sault residents to network and connect with people who have called the Sault home.

The Sault Network is free to register and provides members with up-to-date information about current activities in Sault Ste. Marie. Those interested in signing up for the Sault Network can visit SaultNetwork.ca for more information and next steps. It is open to anyone who has lived in Sault Ste. Marie for any period of time.

"We are hoping to engage with people who may not currently live in our community, but are still connected to and care about Sault Ste. Marie," said Mayor Christian Provenzano.

"Community development is important work and we believe that we will be more successful if we engage our broadest community possible. The Sault Network is another tool to solicit perspectives and encourage connections."

The recently completed Community Adjustment Committee report points to several activities that could be supported by the establishment of a strong network of Sault Ste. Marie alumni including: talent attraction, support for Sault Ste. Marie entrepreneurs and businesses, community promotion and awareness and investment attraction.

In the Fall of 2016, City Councillor Paul Christian approached City staff with a concept to establish a Sault Summit - an event that would bring together former Sault Ste. Marie residents in Toronto, where many former residents are located, with a goal of involving them in the development of their hometown. Discussions with City, Sault Ste. Marie Economic Development Corporation, and Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre began and support for this concept was received.

An aspect of this includes the launch of the Sault Network. The first ever Sault Summit will be held in Toronto on April 21, hosting approximately 50 business industry leaders, professionals and experts who are from Sault Ste. Marie, now living in Southern Ontario.

"The goal of this event is to begin a dialogue," said Councillor Christian. "The Summit will provide Sault Ste. Marie alumni with an update regarding the city and its current and future economic and community development initiatives, as well as a working group session to discuss and share best practices, provide input for opportunities in Sault Ste. Marie, and offer recommendations and ideas for collaboration and growth."

The Sault Network website and Sault Summit event aligns with the City's Corporate Strategic Plan in multiple focus areas, such as: Quality of Life, Promote Quality of Life Advantages, Promote and Support Arts & Culture and Welcome and Seek Out Immigration. The implementation plan will also address the focus area of Community Development and Partnerships and its priorities including Create Social and Economic Activity, Develop Partnerships with Key Stakeholders and Maximize Economic Development and Investments.

People are encouraged to share the Sault Network website on social media and use the hashtag #HeyYouFromTheSoo to engage with other former Saultites.